Goosen to get more game time

15 Oct 2013

Johan Goosen made his return to rugby against the Bulls

Cheetahs flyhalf Johan Goosen will play 40 minutes in the Currie Cup semi-final against the Sharks in Durban.

Goosen tore knee ligaments during a training session in March this year and was thought to be out for the rest of 2013. However, the 21-year-old came off the bench against the Blue Bulls last Saturday, playing 15 minutes.

'I think he played really well,' Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské told SARugbymag.co.za. 'It's always tough coming back from an injury, but he played nicely. His vision and tactical kicking was superb.'

Goosen is set to play an even bigger role in their semi-final against the Sharks.

'Johan will play 40 minutes this week and if we make the final, we will decide if he or Elgar Watts starts, because Elgar is playing just as well at the moment.'

Drotské said he only discovered that Goosen would be able to return for the end of the Currie Cup last Tuesday.

'He fully participated in all gym and practice sessions, so he went for a medical, which he passed.'

The coach added that Goosen was 100% fit when he returned, but wasn't prepared to say whether or not the player should tour with the Springboks in November.

'I can't answer that. Talk to [Bok coach] Heyneke Meyer, it is entirely up to him if he wants to pick someone who has only played a few games.'

Drotské said the Cheetahs' 51-26 defeat by the Sharks in September would have no psychological impact going into Saturday's semi-final.

'It's a different game, so we don't take a lot from that defeat. We lost to the Bulls earlier in the season and we beat them last weekend. Every game is different. We just have to be sharp on defence. It's up to the players to go into the game with the right mindset.'

Asked where the game will be won and lost on Saturday, he said: 'Discipline, goal-kicking and tactical kicking must be spot on and defence must be sharp, for both teams.'